Play Date Pet Transport (Source: Play Date Pet Transport)
Play Date Pet Transport, a veteran-owned pet relocation company founded by military veteran Lynne Smith-Cutting, is celebrating its 10-year milestone this January, marking a decade of safely and reliably transporting pets across cities, states, and international borders. Established in January 2016, the company has evolved from a rescue-focused domestic transporter into a full-service pet transport operation serving private clients, breeders, relocation firms, and nonprofit partners worldwide.
The company originally began with the name Save Them All Pet Transport, which was rooted in rescue work and long-haul ground transport. Over time, the business expanded to meet growing demand for structured, professional pet relocation. “We started by helping rescues move animals safely,” Lynne says. “But as the years went on, people trusted us with their own pets, their family members, and the responsibility grew from there.”
The company later rebranded as Play Date Pet Transport as it entered the private sector, a name Lynne says reflects familiarity, comfort, and connection. “A play date is something people instantly understand,” she explains. “It’s about care, trust, and showing up. That’s exactly how we want pet owners to feel when they hand their animals over to us.”
Today, Play Date Pet Transport offers both domestic and international pet relocation services for dogs and cats, encompassing local, group, and international pet transportation services. Transport options include coast-to-coast ground travel, commercial flights coordinated with professional flight nannies, and international relocations supported by vetted global partners and ground transport abroad. “Our job is to manage every handoff,” Lynne says. “From the owner’s door to the final destination, nothing is left to chance.”
Safety and animal welfare remain central to operations. All ground transport vehicles are climate-controlled and equipped with HVAC systems, and every animal travels in an individual crate. During ground journeys, the company’s USDA-certified drivers stop every three hours to check on animals, provide care and hydration, and send real-time updates to owners. “We send photos, videos, and even FaceTime when possible,” Lynne notes. “People deserve to see that their pet is calm, comfortable, and cared for.” Furthermore, GPS tracking is integrated to facilitate transparency throughout the journey.
Strict health and compliance protocols govern every transport. According to Lynne, pets traveling out of state or internationally must undergo veterinary health checks, receive appropriate vaccinations, and carry USDA-certified documentation. “Paperwork travels with the animal, always,” Lynne emphasizes. “If it’s not cleared, we don’t move. The animal’s health comes first, no exceptions.”
Lynne Smith-Cutting (Source: Play Date Pet Transport)
Lynne notes that all pets are allowed one personal bag containing food, bedding, and comfort items, and feeding routines are maintained using familiar diets whenever possible. “We try not to change anything unnecessarily,” Lynne says. “Less stress means a safer, healthier journey.”
In addition to its for-profit services, Play Date Pet Transport also operates a nonprofit arm focused on owner surrenders, helping relocate animals ethically without maintaining a physical facility. “I don’t house animals, I move them,” Lynne explains. “That allows us to help without compromising welfare.”
As a veteran-owned and operated company, Play Date Pet Transport is built on the discipline, precision, and operational standards instilled through military service. Lynne notes that many members of the transport team are military veterans, bringing with them extensive experience in logistics, risk management, and mission-driven execution, skills that she believes translate directly into the safe and dependable movement of animals.
Looking to the future, the company aims to expand its private and international transport services while building a long-term leadership transition. “My goal is to build this company up substantially and then pass it on,” Lynne says. “I want to train someone to take over and preserve the essence of what we’ve built, safe, reliable, trustworthy pet transport.”
As Play Date Pet Transport celebrates a decade in operation, the company remains focused on its founding mission: moving pets with care, professionalism, and compassion, one journey at a time.
Media Contact
Name: Lynne Smith-Cutting
Email: [email protected]
